Save the Children welcomes the Federal Government’s announcement that Australia will rejoin the Green Climate Fund, the world’s largest dedicated climate fund that finances significant climate adaptation projects in developing nations. 

 The international child rights agency calls on the Federal Government to commit at least $400 million to the fund in 2023, to help Pacific nations adapt to the climate crisis. 

Australia played a key role in establishing the multilateral Green Climate Fund (GCF), contributing $200 million between 2015-2020 before withdrawing from the mechanism. 

Australia’s re-engagement with the fund is essential, as the GCF is the primary global climate finance mechanism with a proven track record of delivering large-scale finance to priority issues, including in the Pacific. 

“Climate change is endangering the lives of children in developing countries around the world, including in the Pacific, every single day,” said Save the Children Pacific Regional Director Kim Koch. 

Rising sea levels, more damaging cyclones, and higher temperatures are just some of the challenges that the climate crisis is bringing to the doorstep of Pacific communities. 

“As a major global emitter, Australia has a responsibility to contribute to the solutions for children, families and communities who are worst affected by this mounting crisis.” 

According to Koch, there are many ways Australians can contribute to the global climate change fight, including through bilateral arrangements with their partners in the Pacific, and by supporting dedicated mechanisms like the GCF with a proven track record.  

“Today’s announcement will help to improve Australia’s reputation as a country genuinely committed to addressing the worst impacts of the climate change in our region and globally,” added Koch. 

Koch highlighted that Australia should also follow through on that commitment by making a substantial contribution to the Green Climate Fund, especially after a prolonged absence. 

“A pledge of at least $400 million in 2023 would place Australia in line with other donors to the fund, many of which have all doubled their previous commitments.” 

Save the Children Australia is partnering with the GCF in the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu on major locally-led adaption projects to improve climate resilience, directly reaching 275,000 people in rural and remote communities across the two countries. 

The US$31.8 million Solomon Islands project includes measures such as the incorporation of a climate change curriculum in schools, support for youth entrepreneurs to create new resilient livelihood opportunities, and improving school resilience to climate change impacts. 

In Vanuatu, the US$32.6 million project assists communities to adapt to the growing threat of climate change by boosting access to information; providing technical assistance and equipment to support climate-resilient agriculture and fisheries; and improving livelihood opportunities for rural and remote communities.  

Related: Save the Children supports calls for government to establish duty of care to youth on climate